Roasted Pears with Blue Cheese, Walnuts & Honey

Ingredients

4 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work well)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (for a milder flavor, substitute with Gorgonzola)

¼ cup toasted walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons honey (plus more for drizzling)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)

Optional Substitutions: Swap blue cheese for feta if you prefer a gentler taste, or replace walnuts with pecans for a sweeter nutty note.

Method

Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Pears: Slice each pear in half lengthwise, carefully removing the core with a spoon or melon baller to create a small cavity. Brush the pear halves with melted butter, and if desired, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon for a warm touch of spice.

Roast the Pears: Place the pears, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until tender and lightly golden.

Add the Toppings: Remove the pears from the oven and fill each cavity with crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with honey and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Return to the Oven: Pop the pears back into the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the blue cheese begins to melt slightly.

Serve and Garnish: Transfer to serving plates, add an extra drizzle of honey, and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Helpful Tips

Choose Firm Pears: Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc pears work best, as they hold their shape when roasted.

Experiment with Cheeses: If blue cheese feels too strong, Gorgonzola offers a milder flavour profile, while feta adds a salty contrast.

Honey Quality: Opt for high-quality honey, such as wildflower or acacia, which enhances the dish’s depth.